Katie M. Reid's Blog, page 36

When Striving Turns Ugly

One day I decided to get serious about writing instead of it just being a hobby. I designed a new website and started penning a book.

Soon I was writing into all hours of the night. I felt invigorated. My husband commented on my pleasant demeanor (as one who scores high in the melancholy department, this newfound joy was a welcome change).

But soon, the work started to take over and I couldn’t seem to stop.

I used to criticize those who were workaholics—especially those in ministry. How coul...

When You Are Longing For Spiritual Rest (Guest Post by Holly Mayes-Haynes)

Are you running yourself ragged as you try to keep up and measure up? Do you struggle to rest because you are overwhelmed by all that is on your plate? Me too.

Let’s release the tension and still our racing mind. Let’s take a breather as we lean in and listen.

It is a joy to introduce you to my new friend, Holly, as she shares about this topic that is close to my heart.

When You Are Longing for Spiritual Rest

By: Holly Mayes-Haynes

Years ago when I was pregnant with my first son, I was wring...

I Found the Secret to Being Good Enough!

I’m weary of not being good enough. Not a good enough spouse, mom, writer, friend, daughter, sister, teacher. All my intentions and efforts seem to fall short as I try to measure up.

Do you wrestle with the truth, that in all our striving, in all our doing, in spite of all our creative and determined endeavors, it is not enough? It’s not enough to save us and make us righteous.

It’s not enough to earn favor and right standing with the Lord.

Without Jesus, we are not enough.

I can hear the st...

Dear Tightly Wound Woman: Security

It’s that time of the month.

Welcome to Thirteen (A Mixed Bag of Crazy and Confetti)

Dear Daughter:

It’s hard to believe that soon you will be a teen. Thirteen!

I am slowing down to see you, there in your blossoming glory (oh yes, I see you rolling your eyes at this declaration).

Where has the time gone? They warned me about this when you were just a handful of squishy skin with a toothless grin. I try not to gasp out loud at the realization that we only have five more years until you launch from the nest.

You are lovely. A peculiar treasure—trying desperately to fly yet fru...

Interview with Lisa-Jo Baker (Author of Never Unfriended)

Welcome back to the Interview Series!

What a treat to host the one and only Lisa-Jo Baker as she shares about her latest book, Never Unfriended: The Secret to Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships.

Interview with Lisa-Jo Baker

What are the two biggest obstacles that prevent women from connecting?

Two statements that we all probably say at least once a day but are 2 of the biggest obstacles to real connection: “I’m fine” and “I’m so busy.”

Fine is so dangerous, isn’t it? Fine means the end...

God Provides What You Lack, Dear Mama

Almost thirteen years into this parenting gig, Mommy Guilt (the after-taste of regret from less-than-stellar parenting moments) threatens to abduct my resolve to hang in there.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to get it right as a parent. We try and be flawless and kick ourselves for being human and end up in a discouraged. We also put so much pressure on our children to get it right. We try and mold their outward behavior, hoping it will make a heart change, as we lecture them into an a...

What Does Grace Look Like? (Guest Post by Bobbie Schaeperkoetter)

Are you a risk taker? Recently we talked about taking risks and how the results of doing so are unpredictable.

I’m thankful I took a risk to reach out to my new friend, Bobbie. She is such a warm and kind encourager. It is a treat to host her today as she dives into the depths of grace and uplifts our hearts.

What Grace Looks Like

By Bobbie Schaeperkoetter

My word for this year was GRACE. I decided that this year I would shift my focus and really seek out examples of God’s abundant grace in...

Five Steps to Help You Undress Your Stress

The other day on Facebook, I asked for some input from other tightly wound women…wanting to know what topics they would like to see addressed here.

This is how the lovely Mary responded: “It’s easy to get ourselves tightly wound but difficult to release the anxieties that cause it. We might be successful temporarily but not for the long haul. So, how can we release and restore a feeling of calm that will be lasting?”

Great question, huh?! I won’t pretend to have an easy answer or quick formu...

World Down Syndrome Day, Positivity, and My Brother

What you don’t know about this picture (of my brother and my kiddos) is that I had to say, “diarrhea”, “rotten egg salad” and “hernia” to get this cheesy smile out of my bro, Brian.